Ken Buck

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 378 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we are here discussing two important bills. One of them fulfills the congressional duty to steward taxpayer dollars well. We shouldn't be handing out tax credits to people without first checking their eligibility for their tax credits. This is common sense. H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act, will require verification of legal presence in this country before someone can receive a tax credit. It is only fair to the American people that we pass this legislation. The other bill in this rule, S. 1094, protects our veterans from harm. We all have a commitment to repaying the men and women who have served this Nation in the military. These brave individuals have put much on the line and sacrificed so much time and opportunity. They deserve the best healthcare. This legislation holds the VA accountable. We need to empower the VA Secretary to quickly fire employees who put our veterans in danger. We also need the VA to report to Congress so that the legislative branch can fulfill its oversight duties. I thank the sponsors of these important bills--Senator Rubio for S. 1094 and Representative Barletta for H.R. 2581. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the resolution, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on the underlying bills.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In response to my friend from Florida's statement about the second piece of legislation that we are dealing with in this rule, I believe it is our responsibility to the American taxpayer, and we are fulfilling that responsibility. We are expected to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. This bill ensures that the government only disburses premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, or under the American Health Care Act, to those individuals who are eligible for those tax credits. Under the ACA, an individual who is not lawfully present in the United States is ineligible from receiving a premium credit. Unfortunately, the ACA also allows the government to hand out the tax credit first and verify later. This pay-and-chase scheme means taxpayer money is flowing out the door to people who don't meet the requirements for premium tax credits, and much of these funds may not be recouped. In fact, under the ACA, over half a million people who were ineligible for coverage and tax credits received credits. H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act, requires the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that any department disbursing payments have first verified the recipient's legal presence with information like Social Security numbers. By requiring this verification, we can confirm that, under both the ACA and AHCA, those who receive credits deserve credits. With that confirmation, we will ensure that these laws are used as they were intended; that the wishes of the American taxpayer are followed. I urge Members to support this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the House Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jake Hansen, owner and founder of Bricktree Customs. Bricktree Customs, a custom LEGO Kit Company in Longmont, Colorado, was founded by Jake in 2015, at the young age of 16. He has created over a dozen carnival-themed custom LEGO kits to date, all of which he designed. Jake's kits are available at local toy stores in Longmont, as well as online in a global marketplace. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of our economy and communities. It is the ingenuity and hard work of Coloradans like Jake that make America a global leader. He has shown true creativity and innovation in his business and community. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Jake as he pursues his future undertakings. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Jake Hansen for his accomplishments.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five high school students who were selected to represent the state of Colorado as delegates at the Congress for Future Medical Leaders. The students are Conor McDaniel, Mariah Pell, Robert Vanderschaaff, Keely Zeimet, and Hailey Archuleta. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors program that recognizes exceptional high school students who are pursuing careers as a physician or in medical research. These students are the future leaders of the medical field and our country. Through their studies, they have embodied the meaning of hard work and perseverance to achieve their goals, and will better the health of future generations. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize these students from the fourth district of Colorado for their hard work and service to our community. I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize seven high school students who have been chosen to represent the state of Colorado as delegates at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. The students are Sebastian Comeaux, Dominic Plaia, Michael Bremd, Ethan Drake, Itzel Martinez Bernal, Crystal Kechter, and James Reeder. The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an honors program that recognizes exceptional high school students who are pursuing careers as engineers, scientists, or technologists. These students are the future leaders of the STEM fields and our country. Through their studies, they have embodied the meaning of hard work and perseverance to achieve their goals, and will advance science and technology for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize these students from the fourth district of Colorado for their hard work and service to our community. I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julia Wyatt, a West Point Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Julia is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Julia has demonstrated her commitment to public service, holding a variety of leadership positions in her high school's chapter of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Leaders for Life, and Student Council. She also received numerous awards recognizing her outstanding athletic and academic achievements, including the Presidential Award, Honors Biology Academic Distinction Award, and Ironworks Academic Distinction Medal. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Julia and her family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Julia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Julia Wyatt as an appointee to West Point for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katherine Murphy, a West Point Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Katherine is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Katherine has demonstrated her commitment to public service through her involvement in Student Government, Student Council, and Community Service Club. She was an active member of her high school's chapter of the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish National Honor Society. Additionally, in recognition of her outstanding athletic and academic achievements, Katherine was named ``Rookie of the Year'' for the Varsity Cross Country team and received the Colorado Girls State Outstanding Citizen Award. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Katherine and her family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Katherine. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Katherine Murphy as an appointee to West Point for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeanette Steerman, a Naval Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Jeanette is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Jeanette has demonstrated excellent leadership and a heart for public service as Class President, National Honor Society President, and 4-H President at her high school. She was also an active member and award winner of her high school's FFA chapter, in which she held several leadership positions. Additionally, Jeanette qualified as an Honor Roll student for eight consecutive years and was given a variety of awards recognizing her outstanding academic achievements, including the Young Einstein Award. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Jeanette and her family for their commitment. On behalf ofthe 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Jeanette. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Jeanette Steerman as an appointee to the Naval Academy for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Fletcher, a Naval Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Paul is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Paul has demonstrated excellent leadership and service, acting as the Founder and President of several school clubs, in addition to serving as captain of his school's Wrestling Team. His exceptional athletic ability has been proven by his performance in wrestling and shooting sports. Paul was also a member of his high school's chapter of the National Honor Society in which he served as the chapter's Secretary. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Paul and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Paul. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Paul Fletcher as an appointee to the Naval Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gianni Orlando, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Gianni is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Gianni has demonstrated excellent leadership and athleticism serving as captain of his school's lacrosse team, and helping lead both the football and lacrosse teams to victory in the Colorado State Championships. Additionally, he was inducted into his school's chapter of the National Honor Society and earned summa cum laude as a junior, showing his dedication to and passion for education. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Gianni and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Gianni. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Gianni Orlando as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Johnson, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Scott is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Scott has proven himself to be an outstanding athlete, earning a variety of awards for his many achievements, including the Navy Outstanding Titan Award as well as the Underclassmen Athlete of the Year Award. He also served as captain of his school's Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Additionally, Scott was elected Vice President and President of his class during his freshman and senior years of high school, respectively, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and passion for public service. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Scott and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Scott. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Scott Johnson as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Spencer Rohlwing, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Spencer is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Spencer has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, graduating Maxima Cum Laude and receiving a variety of awards during high school, including Highest Honors and the Gold Cross Award, both of which are given only to students who attain a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Additionally, Spencer was captain of both the Varsity Soccer team and the Varsity Track and Field team, showing his excellence in leadership and service. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Spencer and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Spencer. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Spencer Rohlwing as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shaina Smidt, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Shaina is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Shaina served as the Captain of her school's Varsity Basketball team for most of her high school years, and also worked as a student basketball coach, demonstrating a real gift of leadership and heart for service. Additionally, Shaina received a variety of academic awards and was a member of her high school's chapter of the National Honor Society, showing her commitment to and passion for education. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Shaina and her family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Shaina. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Shaina Smidt as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alexander Mueller, a Merchant Marine Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Alexander is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Alexander has already begun his service to our nation through his participation in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. He demonstrated his commitment to public service as an active member of his high school's Student Council and Student Government, and was awarded Academic All State First Team in recognition of his outstanding athletic and academic achievements. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Alexander and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Alexander. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Alexander Mueller as an appointee to the Merchant Marine Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nolan Laufenberg, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Nolan is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Nolan and his family for their commitment. On behalf ofthe 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Nolan. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Nolan Laufenberg as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Philip Dalke, a Naval Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Philip is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Philip demonstrated excellent leadership and service as captain of both the Varsity Volleyball and Basketball teams at his school. He received multiple awards recognizing his athletic talents, including the League Defensive Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year awards. He was also inducted into his school's chapter of the National Honor Society and was an active member of Student Government, showing a passion for education and heart for public service. Our Nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Philip and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Philip. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Philip Dalke as an appointee to the Naval Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our Nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alexander Hamilton, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Alexander is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for his service. It is with great pleasure that I give him my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Alexander has earned a variety of awards for his academic and athletic achievements, including the Ironman Award for football and the Silver Cross Award for academics. He also served as captain of his school's football team, where he was selected for the Academic All State First Team. Additionally, he works as a volunteer for the Special Olympics, demonstrating compassion and a true heart for service. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Alexander and his family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Alexander. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Alexander Hamilton as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for his commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jordan Coffman, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Jordan is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Jordan has served in a variety of leadership roles from Co-President of the National Honor Society to Senator-at-Large of the Student Government Association at her school. In addition to her service roles, Jordan has excelled in athletics, receiving the Hoehne Female Athlete award and placing first in several Track and Field races. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Jordan and her family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Jordan. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Jordan Coffman as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Victoria Bernabei, an Air Force Academy Appointee from Colorado's Fourth Congressional district. I believe our greatest assets are America's brave men and women in uniform. Victoria is making an incredible sacrifice for our country and deserves our utmost support for her service. It is with great pleasure that I give her my endorsement to attend this prestigious institution. Victoria served as Honor Guard Commander as well as Cadet Captain of the Civil Air Patrol for which she received the Earhart Award. She has also received various Academic All-State honors. Additionally, she volunteers as a soccer coach in her community, demonstrating exemplary leadership skills and a heart for service. Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than to those who fight to protect our freedom and liberty. I commend Victoria and her family for their commitment. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I extend my best wishes to Victoria. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Victoria Bernabei as an appointee to the Air Force Academy for her commitment to protect and serve our nation.

Mr. BUCK

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to explain my amendment to the Financial CHOICE Act. Since the passage of Dodd-Frank, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been unaccountable to Congress and harmed small businesses across this country. I am thankful for the work done by Chairman Hensarling to rein in this out-of-control agency. With the United States nearly $20 trillion in debt, we must do everything possible to bring financial accountability to our Federal Government. Spending at this rate will leave us not only financially bankrupt but morally bankrupt as well. It is immoral to spend money we don't have today and force our children to pay in the future. Despite this, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau decided it was necessary to renovate their headquarters, estimated at more than $200 million, over $50 million more than the building is worth. Even in their initial designs, a lavish two-story waterfall and four-story glass staircase were more important than the financial prosperity of our children. The Financial CHOICE Act makes changes to the CFPB, which will likely result in different real estate needs for the agency. My amendment is simple: it will require an assessment of whether the current CFPB building is a good use of taxpayer dollars. If not, it authorizes the General Services Administration to sell the building to the highest bidder, generating hundreds of millions of dollars by offloading a property that is unnecessary for the Federal Government to own. Just a few months ago, my first grandchild, nicknamed Bear, was born. When he grows older, I want to tell him I did everything in my power to fight the out-of-control spending that plagues our generation. This amendment is part of that fight for Bear and all of our grandchildren. This amendment requires our government to use taxpayer dollars efficiently, and it reinforces a culture of fiscal restraint and bureaucratic decisionmaking. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this commonsense and fiscally responsible amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.